A farmer who turned part of his land into a cross country driving centre has built it into a thriving business which has become a tourist attraction.

Graeme Gill faced stiff opposition when he launched the scheme to supplement his income on his 100-acre Smartgill Farm, at Startforth, near Barnard Castle, County Dur-ham.

But now it is so successful that he has sold his herd of 50 dairy cattle, rented out most of his remaining land and almost given up farming.

Mr Gill, 43, a father-of-two, said yesterday: "I started the centre as a sideline on 25 of my acres four years ago as I needed some extra money due to milk prices being far too low.

"Now it has proved to be the best thing I ever did.

"It keeps me busy full-time and is still growing steadily. Enthusiasts come from all over Britain to have a go."

So far this year he has had 500 clients paying £90 for three hours or £200 for seven hours of lessons on how to drive 4 x 4 Landrover Adventurers over rough terrain, with gradients of up to 45 degrees. He is helped by another instructor and his wife, Anne.

Shaun Stuart, chief executive of the Teesdale Enterprise Agency, said: "This is an excellent example of a farm diversification project. It has grown really well and is a definite asset to the local economy. I can't praise it too highly."

Some clients have bought 4 x 4 vehicles and want to learn how to handle them.

Others are sent by organisations such as rescue teams, wildlife trusts and public utilities which have to tackle cross country driving.

Mr Gill said: "Most newcomers look at the steepest slopes and feel they could never drive up and down them. But after a few hours they get confident and have great fun.

"I'm delighted that our success is helping other local businesses.

"Some people who come stay a couple of nights in hotels or boarding houses and spend money in shops, so the economy is getting a boost."

One couple, from Jersey, who visited this week, told him they admired the Teesdale scenery so much that they may move to live there.

Mr Gill is assured of a busy start to 2004, as many people have bought vouchers for visits to the course, known as the Deepdale Off Road 4 x 4 Centre, as surprise Christmas presents.